The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), the new economic regulator for UK
payment systems, has appointed Ruth Evans as the chair of the Payments
Strategy Forum.

Ruth is currently chair of The Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD), the independent co-regulator for the editorial content of UK video on demand services.

She will begin her new role on 27 July 2015.

The Forum will bring together the payments industry and representatives of all those that use payment systems (banks and other large financial firms, consumers, small and medium sized businesses, technology providers, and many more) to work in partnership and drive collaborative innovation in payments.

As chair of the Forum, Ruth will be responsible for guiding and progressing Forum discussions. The chair will be independent of industry, but appointed by and accountable to the PSR. Together with the PSR and other Forum members, she will be responsible for its success.

Speaking about the appointment, Ruth Evans said:

“The world of payments is at a critical juncture. There are lots of good examples of innovation that have already made our day to day lives easier - but equally, consumers could receive a better deal if industry acts together to promote their interests.

“The Forum will establish which areas require collective action on innovation, then develop and agree strategies to take them forward and bring to market. It’s a big ask, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Hannah Nixon, managing director of the PSR, added:

“The Forum is the melting pot where problems can be discussed and solutions are created. We want it to be a place where all corners of the payments industry can come together and have an equal say, working as one body to boost innovation.

“Ruth’s extensive experience of leading organisations that are known for their capacity to innovate to promote the public interest made her the standout candidate for this role and I look forward to working with her.”

Today we have also issued a call for members to help us find around 20 individuals in senior positions to populate the Forum. These people will have the ability to shape and make decisions on strategy or policy within their organisations and the sector more broadly.

The first Forum meeting is expected to be held in autumn 2015. A working group has been busy helping set the Forum up, including helping create draft terms of reference.

(Source - PSR Press Release)

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